Control knob assembly

ABSTRACT

A control knob assembly comprises a knob housing, a gripping portion, and a control valve interface portion, wherein the control valve interface portion is positionable in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the knob housing, and wherein the control valve interface portion is configured to be coupled to the gripping portion.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/679,684 (filed May 10, 2005), the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present application generally relates to control knobs for cooking appliances. More specifically, the present application relates to control knobs for cooking appliances that are adaptable to multiple valve stem orientations.

2. Description of the Related Art

Cooking appliances, such as, for example, barbecues, ranges, ovens, cook tops, burners, and grills, typically have one or more control knobs that connect with a control valve that is positioned within the cooking appliance. When the valve stem is positioned within the opening in the core, rotation of the control knob rotates the valve stem to open and/or close the valve. Thus, the control knob allows a user to regulate fuel delivery for the cooking appliance by manipulating the connected gas control valve. The control valve typically includes a valve stem that has a rounded portion and a flat portion or another suitable keying configuration.

A typical control knob includes a core that is integrally formed with an outer housing of the control knob. The core can include an axial opening that has a rounded portion and a flat portion to receive and cooperate with the valve stem. The orientation of the flat portion of the opening relative to the outer surface of the control knob can be different for different gas control valves used on a single cooking appliance when the valve is in an “off” position. Because control knobs typically have gripping portions and other indicators that are positioned in a particular orientation when in use on a cooking appliance, the control knobs preferably are properly matched with the control valves such that the knobs all have the same orientation in an “off” position.

Control knobs having integrally formed metal cores can be difficult to manufacture and a plurality of such knobs with cores of differing orientations need to be manufactured. For example, some control knobs are manufactured with an integrally formed solid metal core and the opening, having the desired orientation relative to the outer housing, is machined out of the core. Forming and machining the control knobs in this manner is difficult, time consuming, and expensive. Other control knobs are cast or formed with the opening in the desired orientation relative to the control knob housing. However, a different mold or process is needed to form each desired orientation of the control knob, which also adds significant costs. Still other control knobs have a generally larger integrally formed core with a generally larger opening to receive a core insert that comprises an opening that has a rounded portion and a flat portion to receive and cooperate with the valve stem. The core insert can be inserted into the core opening in a desired orientation but typically is formed of a plastic material that can deform over time. While the insert arrangement allows for a standard control knob housing and can provide an opening having the desired orientation, the manufacturing and assembly costs and challenges associated with this type of control knob are also high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein includes the realization that control knobs for cooking appliances can be improved and production cost reduced by having a control knob assembly comprising a knob housing, a gripping portion, and a control valve interface portion, wherein the control valve interface portion is positionable in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the knob housing, and wherein the control valve interface portion is configured to be coupled to the gripping portion. It is further recognized that cooking appliances having an overlapping control knob and bezel assembly can provide increased protection of the control knob for, and can lend enhanced appearance to, the cooking appliance.

In one embodiment, a control knob comprises a knob housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and one or more side portions. The one or more side portions define one or more openings between the outer surface and the inner surface of the knob housing. One or more gripping portions have one or more gripping surfaces and one or more connectors. The gripping portions are configured to be coupled with the outer surface of the knob housing at the one or more side portions. The one or more connectors are configured to be positioned within the one or more openings defined in the side portions of the knob housing. A control valve interface portion comprises a core forming an elongated opening for receiving at least a portion of a control valve stem. The control valve interface portion is configured to be coupled with the inner surface of the knob housing in more than one orientation and with the one or more connectors of the one or more gripping portions.

In another embodiment, a control knob comprises a knob housing having a first surface and a second surface. A gripping portion is configured to be coupled with the first surface of the knob housing. A control valve interface portion comprises a core forming an elongated opening for receiving at least a portion of a control valve stem. The elongated opening is defined by one or more inner surfaces of the central core. At least a portion of one inner surface is generally flat. The control valve interface portion is configured to be coupled with the knob housing in any one of a plurality of positions. The orientation of the core relative to the knob housing in a first position is different than the orientation of the core relative to the knob housing in a second position. The control valve interface portion is configured to be coupled with the gripping portion in any one of the plurality of positions.

In another embodiment, a cooking appliance comprises a fuel source, a cooking apparatus, a control valve having a control valve stem, the control valve positioned between the fuel source and the cooking apparatus, and one or more control knobs. The one or more control knobs comprise a knob housing. One or more gripping portions are coupled with the knob housing. A control valve interface portion is coupled with the knob housing. The control valve interface portion comprises a core forming an elongated opening. The core is coupled with at least a portion of the control valve stem. At least one of the one or more gripping portions is coupled directly to the control valve interface portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a cooking appliance having a control knob and bezel assembly.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing another cooking appliance having a control knob and bezel assembly.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a control valve of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the control knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the control knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the control knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 6 is another exploded side view of the control knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 7 is another exploded side view of the control knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 8 is another exploded side view of the control knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the control knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the control knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the control knob and bezel assembly of the cooking appliance of FIG. 1A or 1B that shows the control knob having a portion recessed into the bezel assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a control knob assembly 110 for a cooking appliance 100A, 100B having certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention is described below. The control knob assembly 110 for the cooking appliance 100A, 100B represents an application for which many features, aspects and advantages of the present invention provide particular advantages. Nevertheless, certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention can be used with other types of appliances.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cooking appliances 100A, 100B comprise one or more control knob assemblies 110. In FIG. 1A, the illustrated cooking appliance 100A is a range. In FIG. 1B, the illustrated cooking appliance 100B is a barbecue grill. The control knob assemblies 110 described herein can be used with many cooking appliances, such as, for example, ranges, ovens, cook tops, burners, and grills. In some embodiments, control knob assemblies 110 can be used in still other applications. For example, many of the features and advantages described herein with reference to a control knob assembly 110 for cooking appliances 100A, 100B are also applicable to other types of control knobs and/or dials, including, for example, control knobs for mechanical and electrical devices and equipment. In the illustrated embodiment, the control knob assembly 110 cooperates with a control valve positioned within the cooking appliance to allow a user to regulate fuel delivery for the cooking appliance 100A, 100B by manipulating the knob assembly 110.

As shown in FIG. 2, a control valve 120 has an inlet portion 122, an outlet portion 124, a valve portion 126 and a valve stem 128. The illustrated control valve 120 is positioned between a fuel source, e.g., a propane tank, and a cooking apparatus, e.g., a burner. Rotation of the valve stem 128 controls the opening and closing of the valve portion 126 to regulate fuel delivery to the cooking apparatus. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the valve stem 128 preferably has a generally rounded portion 130 and one or more generally flat edge portions 132, 134. The control knob assembly 110 is configured to be coupled with the valve stem 128 of the control valve 120. Rotation of the control knob assembly 110 rotates the valve stem 128 to open and/or close the control valve 120;

As shown in FIGS. 3-10, a control knob assembly 110 comprises a knob housing 112, one or more gripping portions 114, 116 configured to be coupled with the knob housing 112, and a control valve interface portion 118 configured to be coupled with the knob housing 112 and the one or more gripping portions 114, 116. In some embodiments, the control knob assembly additionally comprises a bezel 136.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the illustrated knob housing 112 has an outer surface 150 and an inner surface 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the knob housing 112 has a generally cylindrically shaped base portion 154 that tapers to a raised oblong shaped central portion 156. The knob housing 112 comprises first and second curved opposing side portions 160, 162 between the generally cylindrically shaped base portion 154 and the raised oblong shaped central portion 156. As shown in FIGS. 3-8, the first and second opposing side surfaces 160, 162 are generally concave surfaces. In some embodiments, the knob housing 112 comprises one or more additional side surfaces 164, 166. In the illustrated embodiment, third and fourth opposing side surfaces 164, 166 of the knob housing 112 comprise traction-increasing elements 168. In the illustrated arrangement, the traction-increasing elements 168 are in the form of raises ribs or ridges. Other suitable traction-increasing elements can be provided to assist a user in microadjustments of the knob.

In other embodiments, the outer surface 150 of the knob housing 112 can have other suitable configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the base portion 154 of the knob housing 112 has a generally oblong shaped base portion having flat and/or curved portions. In some embodiments, the raised central portion 156 can have other suitable shapes, such as, for example, a generally rectangular shape, a generally circular shape, a generally diamond shape, a generally hourglass shape. In some embodiments, the outer surface 150 of the knob housing 112 comprises one or more flat surfaces between the base portion 154 and the raised central portion 156. In still other embodiments, the knob housing 112 tapers uniformly from the base portion 154 to the raised central portion 156. In some embodiments, one or more side portions 160, 162, 164, 166 between the base portion 154 and the raised central portion 156 are not tapered.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 152 of the knob housing 112 defines a cavity generally corresponding to the shape of the outer surface 154 of the knob housing 112. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the knob housing 112 has a generally hollow shape. In one arrangement, the knob housing is generally solid without much, if any, cavity.

The knob housing 112 preferably is configured to be coupled with one or more gripping portions 114, 116. In some embodiments, one or more openings 170, 172, 174, 176 are defined in the knob housing 112. As shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 7, first and second openings 170, 172 are defined in the first side portion 160 of the knob housing 112. Third and fourth openings 174, 176 are defined in the second side portion 162 of the knob housing 112.

The knob housing 112 preferably is configured to be coupled with a control valve interface portion 118. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 152 of the knob housing 112 defines one or more slots and/or grooves 180, 182, 184, 186.

In one embodiment, the knob housing 112 comprises metal. In some embodiments, the knob housing 112 is cast and/or machined. In other embodiments, the knob housing 112 can comprise plastic, stone, composite, or other suitable materials or combinations of materials. In some embodiments, the knob housing 112 can be molded, shaped and/or otherwise formed.

As shown in FIGS. 3-9, one or more gripping portions 114, 116 are configured to be coupled with the knob housing 112 and the control valve interface portion 118. FIGS. 3-9 illustrate first and second gripping portions 114, 116. Each gripping portion preferably comprises a curved gripping surface 200, 202 and one or more connectors. The curved gripping surfaces 200, 202 of the gripping portions 114, 116 are sized and configured to be positioned generally adjacent the curved opposing side portions 160, 162 of the knob housing 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors comprise one or more elongate pegs 204, 206, 208, 210. The pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 are sized and configured to be aligned with, and positioned within, the openings 170, 172, 174, 176, respectively, defined in the first and second side portions 160, 162 of the knob housing 112. When the curved gripping surfaces 200, 202 are positioned generally adjacent the curved opposing side portions 160, 162 of the knob housing 112, the pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 preferably extend through the openings 170, 172, 174, 176, respectively, of the knob housing 112 into the cavity defined by the inner surface 152 of the knob housing 112. The pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 preferably are sized and configured to be coupled with the control valve interface portion 118. In one preferred configuration, the pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 secure the control valve interface portion 118 to the knob housing 112 and can be deformed to hold the control valve interface portion 118 to the knob housing 112.

In some embodiments, other suitable connectors can be used to couple the gripping portion 114, 116 with the knob housing 112 and the control valve interface portion 118. For example, a latch connector, a clip connector, a wrap-around connector, a button connector, and/or a pin connector can be used in some embodiments. Moreover, fasteners of any suitable configurations can be used to couple the gripping portion 114, 116 with the knob housing 112.

The gripping portions 114, 116 preferably comprise a plastic material, a composite material, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the gripping portions 114, 116 can be molded, shaped, cast, machined, and/or otherwise formed.

As shown in FIGS. 3-8 and 10, the control valve interface portion 118 is configured to be coupled with the knob housing 112 and the gripping portions 114, 116. In one embodiment, the control valve interface portion 118 comprises a base plate 250, a central core 252 and a peripheral flange 254. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 250 has a generally circular shape and is sized and configured to generally align with, and be coupled with, the base portion 154 of the knob housing 112. In one embodiment, the base plate 250 comprises one or more locators for orienting the control valve interface portion 118 with the knob housing 112. As shown in FIG. 4, the locators comprise a plurality of pegs 260, 262, 264, 266 extending from a surface of the base plate 250. The pegs 260, 262, 264, 266 are configured to be aligned with, and inserted within, the slots and/or grooves 180, 182, 184, 186, respectively, defined in the inner surface 152 of the knob housing 112.

In some embodiments, the locators are arranged such that the control valve interface portion 118 can be coupled with the knob housing 112 in any one of a plurality of configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 152 of the knob housing 112 comprises four slots and/or grooves 180, 182, 184, 186 positioned symmetrically about the perimeter of the knob housing 112. The base plate 250 comprises four pegs 260, 262, 264, 266 positioned symmetrically about the perimeter of the base plate 250. Each peg 260, 262, 264, 266 is configured for alignment with any one of the slots and/or grooves 180, 182, 184, 186 of the knob housing 112. Accordingly, during assembly of the control valve interface portion 118 with the knob housing 112, the control valve interface portion 118 can be positioned in one of a plurality of configurations by rotating the interface portion 118 relative to the control knob housing 112 such that the pegs 260, 262, 264, 266 are aligned with the slots and/or grooves 180, 182, 184, 186 when the control valve interface portion 118 is in the desired orientation relative to the knob housing 112.

In some embodiments, the base plate 250 defines a plurality of openings. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 10, at least some of the openings 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 are sized and configured to receive and/or be coupled with the pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 of the gripping portions 114, 116. The base plate 250 preferably comprises a plurality of openings 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 arranged such that the pegs 204, 206,.208, 210 of the gripping portions 114, 116 can be coupled with at least some of the openings 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 when the control valve interface portion 118 is positioned in one or more orientations relative to the knob housing 112. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 250 comprises four pairs of openings 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 sized and configured to receive the two pairs of pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 of the gripping portions 114, 116. In one configuration, the four pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 of the gripping portions 114, 116 will be coupled with two pairs of openings 270, 272, 278, 280 on opposite sides of the base plate 250, while two pairs of openings 274, 276, 282, 284 will not be coupled with the pegs. In another configuration, for example, where the control valve interface portion 118 is rotated by a quarter turn relative to the knob housing 112, the four pegs 204, 206, 208, 210 of the gripping portions 114, 116 will be coupled with the other two pairs of openings 274, 276, 282, 284 on opposite sides of the base plate 250.

In some embodiments, the base plate 250 comprises one or more openings 290, 292, 294, 296 that are larger than the openings 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, 282, 284 for receiving and coupling with the pegs 204, 206, 208, 210. The larger openings 290, 292, 294, 296 preferably are provided to limit the amount of material required to form the base plate 250. In other embodiments, larger openings are not provided.

As shown in FIGS. 3-8 and 10, the central core 252 is positioned in a central portion of the base plate 250. First and second portions 300, 302 of the central core 252 preferably extend from first and second opposite surfaces 286, 288 of the base plate 250. When the base plate 250 is coupled with the knob housing 112, the first portion 300 of the central core 250 extends from the first surface 286 of the base plate 250 toward the cavity defined by the inner surface 152 of the knob housing 112. The second portion 302 of the central core 252 extends from the second surface 288 of the base plate 250 away from the knob housing 112. At least a portion of the central core 252 forms an elongated opening 310 for receiving at least a portion of a control valve stem. The elongated opening 310 preferably is defined by one or more inner surfaces of the central core 252, at least a portion of one inner surface being generally flat.

In some embodiments, the orientation of the central core 252 relative to the knob housing 112 determines the relative positioning of the control knob 110 on the cooking appliance 100A, 100B. For example, the orientation of control valves and valve stems can vary for different cooking appliances. In some embodiments, the control valve interface portion 118 comprising the central core 252 configured to interface with the valve stem 128, can be positioned in a desired orientation relative to the knob housing 112, such that the control knob 110 is positioned in a desired orientation relative to the cooking appliance 100A, 100B. Having the ability to configure the orientation of the central core 252 relative to the knob housing 112 during the assembly process reduces the complexity and expense associated with manufacturing specialized control knobs.

As shown in FIGS. 3-8, the peripheral flange 254 of the control valve interface portion 118 extends from an outer portion of the base plate 250 and away from the knob housing 112 when the base plate 250 is coupled with the knob housing 112. The peripheral flange 254 has a generally cylindrical configuration in the illustrated embodiment. In one embodiment, the peripheral flange 254 comprises graphics, e.g., laser etched graphics.

In one embodiment, the control valve interface portion 118 comprises metal. In some embodiments, the control valve interface portion 118 is cast and/or machined. In other embodiments, the knob housing 112 can comprise plastic, stone, composite, or other suitable materials or combinations of materials. In some embodiments, the knob housing 112 can be molded, shaped and/or otherwise formed.

FIGS. 3-10 illustrate the bezel 136 according to one embodiment. The bezel 136 preferably is coupled with an outer surface of the cooking appliance 100A, 100B. At least a portion of the control valve 120 preferably extends from the cooking appliance 100A, 100B through the bezel 136. For example, in some embodiments, the valve stem 128 extends through an opening in the bezel 136. The bezel 136 preferably cooperates with the control knob assembly 110 described herein. The control knob assembly 110 preferably is coupled with the valve stem 128 of the control valve 120. For example, when the control knob 110 of the illustrated embodiment is fully assembled, the opening 310 defined in the central core 252 is aligned with and inserted over the valve stem 128 of the control valve 120. When coupled with the control valve 120, a user manipulating the control knob 110 can regulate the delivery of fuel to the cooking appliance 100A, 100B.

In one embodiment, the bezel 136 comprises a base portion 330, an outer rim portion 332, and an inner generally cylindrical flange portion 334. The base portion 330 preferably is configured to be coupled with the cooking appliance 100A, 100B. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bezel 136 is configured to receive a fastening element, such as, for example, a screw, to couple the bezel 136 with the cooking appliance 100A, 100B.

In some embodiments, the base portion 330 of the bezel 136 defines a plurality of openings, with at least one of the openings, for example, a central opening 336, being sized and configured to receive and/or be coupled with at least a portion of the control valve 120. In some embodiments, other openings are relatively larger than, and/or relatively smaller than, the central opening 336 and are configured to limit the amount of material required to form the base portion 330 of the bezel 136.

The outer rim portion 332 and the inner generally cylindrical flange portion 334 preferably define a space 338 therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the peripheral flange 254 extending from the control knob 110. In one embodiment, the surface 340 of the outer rim portion 332 near the control knob 110 is curved. The extension of the peripheral flange 254 between the outer rim 332 and the cylindrical flange 334 of the bezel 136 provide increased protection for the cooking apparatus 100A, 100B and helps to protect the control knob assembly 110 and cooking appliance from foreign objects and/or spills that could damage or affect the connection between the control knob 110 and the control valve 120.

The bezel 136 also contains an indicator system 400. The indicator system 400 preferably comprises a light source/holder assembly 402 and a light pipe 404. In one embodiment, the light source is an LED. In another embodiment, the light source is a neon light. The light source/holder assembly 402 provides an electrical connection between any suitable light source and the electrical system of the appliance. When the light source is turned on, the light from the light source is transmitted through the light pipe 404 and is visible to users of the appliances. For instance, the light source can be used to indicate that a burner has been turned on. The light pipe 404 preferably has an upper surface 406 that is curved. The curved upper surface 406 helps to direct spills away from the light pipe 404 and the use of the light pipe 404, which protrudes from the bezel 136, helps to eliminate a location in which liquids can pool.

In one embodiment, the bezel 136 comprises metal. In some embodiments, the bezel 136 is cast and/or machined. In other embodiments, the bezel 136 can comprise plastic, stone, composite, or other suitable materials or combinations of materials. In some embodiments, the bezel 136 can be molded, shaped and/or otherwise formed.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In particular, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that certain advantages, features and aspects of the embodiments described herein may be realized in a variety of other applications, many of which have been noted above. The skilled artisan can readily adapt the principles and advantages described herein to a variety of other applications. Additionally, it is contemplated that various aspects and features of the invention described can be practiced separately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and that a variety of combination and subcombinations of the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. 

1. A control knob, comprising: a knob housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and one or more side portions, the one or more side portions defining one or more openings between the outer surface and the inner surface of the knob housing; one or more gripping portions having one or more gripping surfaces and one or more connectors, the gripping portions configured to be coupled with the outer surface of the knob housing at the one or more side portions, the one or more connectors configured to be positioned within the one or more openings defined in the side portions of the knob housing; and a control valve interface portion comprising a core forming an elongated opening for receiving at least a portion of a control valve stem, the control valve interface portion configured to be coupled with the inner surface of the knob housing and with the one or more connectors of the one or more gripping portions.
 2. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the control knob is configured to be coupled with a control valve of a cooking appliance.
 3. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the one or more side surfaces comprise first and second generally concave opposing surfaces.
 4. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the control valve interface portion can be coupled with the knob housing in any one of a plurality of configurations.
 5. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the knob housing defines one or more slots or grooves.
 6. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the connectors comprise one or more elongate pegs.
 7. The control knob of claim 1, wherein the control valve interface portion comprises a base plate and a peripheral flange.
 8. The control knob of claim 7, wherein the base plate comprises one or more connectors for coupling the control valve interface portion with the knob housing.
 9. The control knob of claim 7, wherein the base plate comprises one or more openings arranged such that the pegs of the gripping portions can be coupled with at least some of the openings of the base plate when the control valve interface portion is positioned in one or more orientations relative to the knob housing.
 10. The control knob of claim 7, wherein the peripheral flange of the control valve interface portion extends from an outer portion of the base plate and away from the knob housing when the base plate is coupled with the knob housing.
 11. A control knob, comprising: a knob housing having a first surface and a second surface; a gripping portion configured to be coupled with the first surface of the knob housing; and a control valve interface portion comprising a core forming an elongated opening for receiving at least a portion of a control valve stem, the elongated opening being defined by one or more inner surfaces of the central core, at least a portion of one inner surface being generally flat, the control valve interface portion configured to be coupled with the knob housing in any one of a plurality of positions, the orientation of the core relative to the knob housing in a first position being different than the orientation of the core relative to the knob housing in a second position, the control valve interface portion configured to be coupled with the gripping portion in any one of the plurality of positions.
 12. The control knob of claim 11, wherein the control knob is configured to be coupled with a control valve of a cooking appliance.
 13. The control knob of claim 11, wherein the gripping portion comprises one or more elongate pegs.
 14. The control knob of claim 13, wherein the control valve interface portion comprises one or more openings arranged such that the one or more pegs of the gripping portion can be coupled with at least some of the openings when the control valve interface portion is positioned in one or more of the plurality of positions relative to the knob housing.
 15. The control knob of claim 11, wherein the inner surface of the knob housing defines one or more slots or grooves.
 16. The control knob of claim 15, wherein the control valve interface portion comprises a one or more pegs for coupling the control valve interface portion with the one or more slots or grooves of the knob housing, in one of the plurality of positions.
 17. A cooking appliance, comprising: a fuel source, a cooking apparatus, a control valve having a control valve stem, the control valve positioned between the fuel source and the cooking apparatus; and one or more control knobs, comprising: a knob housing; one or more gripping portions coupled with the knob housing; and a control valve interface portion coupled with the knob housing, the control valve interface portion comprising a core forming an elongated opening, the core coupled with at least a portion of the control valve stem, at least one of the one or more gripping portions coupled directly to the control valve interface portion.
 18. The cooking appliance of claim 17, additionally comprising one or more bezels, the bezel having a base portion, an outer rim portion, and an inner generally cylindrical flange portion.
 19. The cooking appliance of claim 18, wherein the outer rim portion and the inner generally cylindrical flange portion of the bezel define a space for receiving at least a portion of a peripheral flange extending from the control knob. 